Your Partner in Health

A True Healer is your Partner in Health and overall well being. Did you know that it is the PA who is able to spend the time to truly get to know their patients and act as a true partner in health? They view their patients through more than one lens and treat on many levels. They are highly trained medical professionals, who do not just see their patients as only a body that needs fixing, they actually see you as an individual who desires excellent health on every level of being by preventing disease and integrating body, mind, emotions & spirit. PA training is medical school for 2-3 years, plus internships in all aspects of medicine, usually including the more up to date Holistic Medicine, which is not a specialty (not yet). Most PA's have Master's Degrees, some even Doctorate degrees. The PA is state licensed, nationally board certified, tested and retested every 6 years! Some PA's even take various Medical Specialty exams in addition to the required General & Internal Medicine exams. No other medical professional stays this up to date on the many changes in medicine- not even physicians. The PA partners with physicians, refers to other specialists when needed, as well as partners with you, the patient. This is the ideal person you want as a PArtner in your own & your loved one's health.

Turkey is Good for You!

The age old saying of turkey being good for your brain is right on! Turkey has tryptophan, which is involved in producing and activating healing hormones and chemicals. Tryptophan won't put you to sleep this Thursday, but it can produce several helpful substances, including serotonin, melatonin, and kynurenines. Serotonin affects mood, melatonin helps regulate sleep, and kynurenines may be useful in regulating the immune system. A drug called tranilast, available in Japan as an allergy medication, is chemically similar to kynurenines and shows promise for the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases result from overactive immune systems that attack important cells, kynurenines seem to shut down only "bad" immune responses—responses that degrade the body's ability to defend itself. Purified tryptophan is available in some countries as a prescription medication for the treatment of depression, but not in the United States anymore. Another of its products, serotonin, has been strongly linked to mood. Tryptophan is effective in treating mild depression but not major depression at this time. Medicinal doses are three to six times stronger as the amount of tryptophan a person might eat in a day. Studies on humans and other primates have linked low serotonin levels with low mood, increased aggression, and even suicide. Recent studies of humans suggest that tryptophan may be effective in altering behavior. Tryptophan decreased quarrelsome behavior, relative to a placebo, and behavior was changed without even knowing it. More recently seen is an increase in agreeable behaviors. So tryptophan may not only have effects on mood but some effects on social interaction as well.

Hierarchy of Human Needs

Five Levels of the Hierarchy of Human Needs

There are five different levels in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:

Physiological Needs These are the most basic needs that are vital to survival, such as the need for water, air, food and sleep. Maslow believed that these needs are the most basic and instinctive needs in the hierarchy because all needs become secondary until these physiological needs are met.
Security Needs These are the needs for safety and security. Security needs are important for survival, but they are not as demanding as the physiological needs. Examples of security needs include a desire for steady employment, health insurance, safe neighborhoods and shelter from the environment.
Social Needs These are the needs for belonging, love and affection. Maslow considered these needs to be less basic than physiological and security needs. Relationships such as friendships, romantic attachments and families help fulfill this need for companionship and acceptance, as does involvement in social, community or religious groups.
Esteem Needs After the first three needs have been satisfied, esteem needs becomes increasingly important. These are the need for things that reflect on self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition and accomplishment.
Self-actualizing Needs These are the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Self-actualizing people are self-aware, concerned with personal growth, less concerned with the opinions of others and interested fulfilling their potential.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow first introduced his concept of a hierarchy of needs in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation" and his subsequent book, Motivation and Personality. This hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other needs.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is most often displayed as a pyramid. The lowest levels of the pyramid are made up of the most basic needs, while the more complex needs are located at the top of the pyramid. Needs at the bottom of the pyramid are the basic physical requirements.
As people progress up the pyramid, needs become increasingly psychological and social. Soon, the need for love, friendship and intimacy become important. Further up the pyramid, the need for personal esteem and feelings of accomplishment take priority. Like Carl Rogers, Maslow emphasized the importance of self-actualization, which is a process of growing and developing as a person to achieve individual potential. At this time, where are you, your community or your country on this pyramid?

Melatonin Suppression & Light Pollution

First mercury, now melatonin suppression! These light bulbs are bad for us all!!
"White" light bulbs that emit light at shorter wavelengths are greater suppressors of the body's production of melatonin than bulbs emitting orange-yellow light, a new international study has revealed. Melatonin is a compound that adjusts our biological clock and is known for its anti-oxidant and anti-cancerous properties.
The study investigated the influence of different types of bulbs on "light pollution" and the suppression of melatonin, with the researchers recommending several steps that should be taken to balance the need to save energy and protecting public health.
"Just as there are regulations and standards for 'classic' pollutants, there should also be regulations and rules for pollution stemming from artificial light at night," says Prof. Abraham Haim, head of the Center for Interdisciplinary Chronobiological Research at the University of Haifa and the Israeli partner in the research.
The study, titled "Limiting the impact of light pollution on human health, environment and stellar visibility" by Fabio Falchi, Pierantonio Cinzano, Christopher D. Elvidge, David M. Keith and Abraham Haim, was recently published in the Journal of Environmental Management. The fact that "white" artificial light (which is actually blue light on the spectrum, emitted at wavelengths of between 440-500 nanometers) suppresses the production of melatonin in the brain's pineal gland is already known. Also known is the fact that suppressing the production of melatonin, which is responsible, among other things, for the regulation of our biological clock, causes behavior disruptions and health problems.
In this study, conducted by astronomers, physicists and biologists from ISTIL- Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute in Italy, the National Geophysical Data Center in Boulder, Colorado, and the University of Haifa, researchers for the first time examined the differences in melatonin suppression in a various types of light bulbs, primarily those used for outdoor illumination, such as streetlights, road lighting, mall lighting and the like. "The current migration from the now widely used sodium lamps to white lamps will increase melatonin suppression in humans and animals," the researchers say. Info from: medicalxpress.com

Health or Hype?

So much health information is available on the internet, how much is really advisable?
How educated/trained is your health care advisor?
What credentials/certifications or licenses do they have?
How do they keep up with all the new studies and changes in their health field?
Do you trust what you hear or read from many and varied sources?
Is it true health you seek, or just hype?
Have you, as a consumer of healthcare/patient/client done your due diligence to check out the practitioner/provider/prescriber/physician/PA or other type of health care advisor before making the appointment? I would strongly advise this! Remember, buyer beware- yes, in health care!

5 Stages of Grief

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D. was a Swiss-born psychiatrist and the author of the groundbreaking book On Death and Dying, where she first discussed what is now known as the Kübler-Ross model or the now famous Five Stages of Grief.
They include:
1. Denial : The initial stage: "It can't be happening."
2. Anger : "How dare you do this to me?!"
3. Bargaining : "Just let me live to see my son graduate."
4. Depression : "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"
5. Acceptance : "I know that I will be in a better place."

Medical Intuition

Last night on Coast to Coast am, Dr Mona Lisa Schulz, a medical intuitive, teacher, neuropsychiatrist and researcher was the guest. Her interview was a good overview of medical intuition.
Dr. Schulz outlined 7 warning lights on the body's dashboard or 'emotional centers' that light up when undergoing a particular issue in your life:
*immune system, bones, joints and skin-- related to problems with family or other group in your life.
*lower back, uterus, ovaries, pelvis-- problems balancing money & love.
*digestive track, weight, addictions-- this area will intuitively light up to let you know you have problems with work or self-esteem.
*heart, breasts, lungs-- this will light up with symptoms like hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma-- related to problems with mood, emotional expression, and anxiety.
*neck, thyroid-- lights up around problems with communication, being heard.
*brain, eyes, ears-- symptoms include headaches, tinnitus, and eye problems-- has to do with how you perceive the world.
*life threatening illness-- like cancer, has to do with the question 'why am I here?' and spiritual purpose.

Mind Moods

The many moods that we display every day, even minute by minute are generated in the mind. The brain, which is the "physical mind" has a wide variety of ready-made moods left over from childhood, new moods just learned and also moods that work for us in specific circumstances, tried and true-like old friends.
Moods are results of neurotransmitters in the brain:
Serotonin creates anxiety, sensitivity, overly emotional and obsessions.
Dopamine creates motivation and feelings of wellbeing or euphoria.
Norepinephrine creates focus, attention, energy and organization.
There are hundreds of neurotransmitters in the brain, somehow we only concentrate on these 3!

Neuromelanin

New research is coming out on neuromelanin. The old research data from the 1980's is being proven again in the new neuroscience. Melanin pigments are derivatives of the amino acid tyrosine. Neuromelanin is a strong chelator of metals as it accumulates iron, zinc and other trace metals. In the brain, dopamine neurons of substantia nigra the complex neuromelanin-Fe is the major iron deposit. In physiological conditions neuromelanin plays a neuroprotective role by blocking iron and other toxic metals (Cu, Mn, Cr, Hg, Cd & more). A continuous, linear accumulation of neuromelanin-Fe complex is observed in substantia nigra during the entire life span, but a dramatic decrease occurs in Parkinson's Disease. Neuromelanin may provide an antioxidant mechanism for catecholamine neurons. Also, the extraneuronal neuromelanin, released by dying neurons, is neurotoxic since it activates microglia with release of toxic molecules (NO, TNF and IL-6) which can damage neurons. Drugs able to block the neuromelanin induced activation of microglia have been found and this provides a new therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease. A possible role of phospholipid hydroperoxidase glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in protection from oxidative stress indicating a possible neuroprotective role and some findings suggest this enzyme may contribute to the production of neuromelanin.

7 Deadly Social Sins

Mahatma Gandhi's 7 deadly social sins:

Wealth without Work
Pleasure without Conscience
Science without Humanity
Knowledge without Character
Politics without Principle
Commerce without Morality
Worship without Sacrifice

Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds humanity has produced, once said of Gandhi that "Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this walked the earth in flesh and blood." One of the most effective politicians in history, he demonstrated the practical truth that the way of applied Soul force using non-violent techniques is the most powerful political tool we have. In spite of his work, the 7 deadly social sins are still with us in the 21st century.

Stress Less

To stress less, be more! Easy to say, probably not so easy to do... To be more, one must learn to give more of our self. Be ready to help others, ready to lend a helping hand or a strong shoulder, when needed. Don't fool yourself- it is ALWAYS needed by someone, somewhere, sometime! Look around you and determine for yourself where your special kind of giving can be most utilized. I don't think you have to look very far, need could be in your own backyard! Take the time to comfort, cajole, create camaraderie or build & rebuild relationships. You will find that the more you do these types of things, the more you become and the less you stress.

Stress

I just read that April is now Stress Awareness Month. It is also, or has been- Alcohol Awareness Month... are these related? Probably. Compounded by April 15, getting the taxes done- VERY stressful indeed! April Showers bringing May Flowers, all but forgotten in this day and age. What to do about stress? Keep it Eustress- which is good stress. Easy to say, hard to do. The seemingly natural thing to do in response to stress, is to react turning it into a negative. Instead, try to respond to it in a positive way and look at the bright side, even if it is a very small, dimly lit corner. Think of your brain, when in times of stress and get help to balance the sometimes strong emotions and feelings which can wreak havoc on your hormones and neurotransmitters. Look for rapid relief in the form of meditation, yoga, tai chi, chi gong, biofeedback, neurofeedback, hypnotherapy, deep breathing, saunas, spas, massage or exercise. Look for a feel good therapy of some kind- being with a loved one, talking it out with someone who really cares, or being alone in your favorite place in nature all are good therapy.

The Mind

The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.We will not solve the problems of the world from the same level of thinking we were at when we created them. More than anything else, this new century demands new thinking: We must change our materially based analysis of the world around us to include broader, more multidimensional perspectives. ~ Albert Einstein

Aging Gracefully

In these times of stress with overwork & underpay, we must pay attention to ourselves! If aging gracefully is important to you, then heed the advice of the ages. Get good rest, better nutrition and the best supplements for your body, mind, emotions and spirit. Yes, exercise is important, but if you are not a couch potato, get a pedometer to count your steps and then you will see you can get exercise naturally. Train yourself for joy & happiness, not the no pain, no gain mentality. Train others to treat you as well as you treat yourself~ if they are unwilling or unable to do this, leave them behind, because there are plenty of your fellow human beings who will! Remember to be kind to children, animals, plants, trees~ all living things. Conserve and recycle your water, food, soil as well as your own energy. You will then discover yourself to be graceful, ageless and timeless.

The Night Time Hormone

The Lady of the Night~ The Night Time hormone is Melatonin. This hormone literally lets us sleep at night. It is related to the Sunshine vitamin: vitamin D due to the connection of the Sun. Vitamin D, a prohormone, is absorbed through our skin, and melatonin is produced in response to the sunlight reflected in our eyes, going in the retina. Then, during the darkness of the night, this melatonin is released giving us sound and restful sleep. Now it is obvious what sunglasses or staying inside might do to wreak havoc on this hormone, and therefore, restful sleep. Is it any wonder that so many have sleepless nights?

The Sunshine Vitamin

Still winter, but the sun is shining, and the days are getting longer! Everyone looks forward to this time of year, moods start to lift and happiness abounds... Getting Vitamin D is what it's all about! In the winter, Vitamin D dips to the low point, and slowly rises until the peak levels in August. During winter, we usually need to supplement 2,000-5,000 IU of Vitamin D a day. If very deficient, up to 10,000 IU or greater is needed! Please get YOUR sunshine vitamin today!

Valentine's Day

Valentine Love, Valentine Chocolate, Valentine Roses, cutout cards and tiny candies with little, sweet greetings! Don't you LOVE it? I Do! Be My Valentine! Love is Good for the Body, Better for the Mind, and Best for the Soul! Enjoy!

Valentine Chocolate

The chocolate that is specifically for Valentine's Day is usually of the garden variety. If you are vigilant, however, you will find some very special chocolate for that special someone! One of my all time favorites is Rocky Mountain Chocolate made right here in Colorado Springs. We used to have Patsy's also, but they have really scaled down the production of chocolate. Michelle's went out of business several years ago, and is still missed by many- they really had some great chocolate recipes! They were also a long time tradition, being in business for several generations! Give your sweetie some healthy chocolate with Youngevity chocolate, made with probiotics and many antioxidants boasting the highest ORAC rating of any healthy chocolate! YUM- Enjoy!

Looking forward to Valentine Chocolate!

I love Valentines Day, when the Chocolate Flows and the Moods are Good! Yes, especially the dark chocolate is linked to feeling good, but milk chocolate will do...

Health News

In the news, specifically the health news of EVERY January, all is about diet and fitness. This year, do something different- has the old diet and fitness routine worked for you? I thought not. It is always good information and good to learn if you never heard of it before (HA!) This year, dare to be daring! I am my own experiment, and always try new things out on myself first, before I suggest them to others! How about anti-diet, anti-fitness- Did you know you can be healthy using an anti-diet? Eat what you are hungry for at the time (this will change routinely, for good variety) Don't be fit, be healthy, don't sweat, but have fun- doing whatever you do for fun- walking in the sand, talking with a best buddy, swimming in the ocean, swaying to the music, etc. Be YOUR own experiment- I am my own experiment and I, alone am responsible for the way my experiment turns out!

New Tech on the Health Horizon

This is January, new tech month- many new health items and devices, old ones getting more affordable! Watch for new toys and tools for the healthcare industry as well as new ones for all! It is less expensive to be well now- and less IS MORE!

Your Body

Body is the name of our human vehicle in which we travel through life within the constrictions of time and space. We get so attached to our bodies, and sometimes overly critical of this magnificent creation of beautiful & useful form & function.

Your Mind

"Your Mind is a terrible thing to waste" or rather, put in a better context: your mind is a precious organ to care about, take good care of and save! Sometimes, a mind is all we have... ie: Stephen Hawking.
The mind is thought to be the seat of perception, self-consciousness, thinking, believing, remembering, hoping, desiring, willing, judging, analyzing, evaluating, reasoning, etc.
Mind is the aspect of intellect and consciousness experienced as combinations of thought, perception, memory, emotion, will, and imagination, including all unconscious cognitive processes. The term is often used to refer, by implication, to the thought processes of reason. Mind manifests itself subjectively as a stream of consciousness...
Make up YOUR Mind- do it for you- do it yourself!

Train Your Brain

To train your brain, thinking is vital. Relaxation is key. Communication is required. Many think that traing the brain is like training the body- not so. The brain needs a break more than a workout, it needs peace more than action, meditation more than perspiration. PET and SPECT scans show the wear and tear on the brain, it can also show the healing that can occur as care and feeding is sustained. There is great hope for healing of the brain due to proof of brain plasticity, start training your brain now!

Inspiration vs Perspiration

All Inspiration is as simple as relaxing and breathing in. When this happens, the brain gets an influx of oxygen, so we can actually become inspired! Perspiration, on the other hand is water leaving the body through the pores, being squeezed out to be perspired. One is easy and effortless, the other is hard work! Which would you prefer?
"Genius is 1% Inspiration & 99% Perspiration" ~ Thomas Edison

All the New Year Resolutions Made & Broken

New Year Re-solutions are made and broken every year. Why not make this year different and get to solutions instead. Any problem that is a bother, devise a solution for it. This calls for inspiration, not list making. If you really insist on a list, get other people's opinions (who you trust) and have a brainstorming session, then make a list or diagram of various different ways to come to the same solution- then pick the easiest, fastest one- which will seem effortless to complete! Don't let the Thinktanks have all the fun- make your own Thinktank, so you can have more fun solving problems in 2011!
"Rarely do we find people who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think." ~MLK

New Year, New Health

2011 is a banner year for health, and that is without the health care bill passing, which started to take effect today...